I was embarked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was embarked" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct form would typically be "I was embarked on" or "I embarked." Example: "I was embarked on a journey across the ocean when the storm hit."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Guinness automata drew my family to the Morris Museum, but by the time we left I was embarked on an entirely unforeseen research project.

The New York Times - Arts

The novel I ended up writing that fall, winter and spring ("The Usual Rules," which has just been published) was not the one I was embarked on, that I'd planned to write that fall.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I was embarking on a pilgrimage.

The New York Times - Magazine

At this time, I found out I was embarking on my second pregnancy.

The New York Times

I had never left my country before, and I was embarking on a mind-blowing journey.

The Guardian - Travel

When I started university, I was brimming over with enthusiasm about the lifelong career I was embarking on.

The Guardian

"I was so unprepared really for the life I was embarking on," the now 32-year-old explained.

The Guardian

I marched back to the bedroom, seething, and announced that I was embarking on an urgent executive pursuit.

The New York Times

Just as I was embarking on my American book tour for The Violet Bakery Cookbook, my palate was restored and all was well again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Who would have thought I would still be at it at 62! It wasn't until I boarded the coach to Glastonbury that I had serious reservations about what I was embarking on.

The Guardian - Music

Which is why, in the early 1990s, when I was embarking on a book about the mutual-fund industry and I approached him for an interview, he turned me down flat.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "I was embarked". Instead, use the active voice "I embarked" or rephrase to "I began" or "I started" for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Many writers incorrectly use the passive voice with "embark". Remember that "embark" typically takes an object and is used in the active voice. For example, use "I embarked on a journey" instead of "I was embarked on a journey".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was embarked" functions as part of a sentence where the intention is to express the beginning of a journey or undertaking. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this construction is grammatically incorrect. The correct form would typically be "I embarked".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I was embarked" appears in some contexts, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI identifies it as non-standard English. It's better to use the active voice, such as "I embarked", or alternative phrases like "I began" or "I started". These alternatives provide clarity and grammatical correctness. Although it may be found in news or personal blogs, it's best to avoid this construction in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I embarked

Omits the auxiliary verb 'was', creating a grammatically correct sentence.

I began

Replaces 'embarked' with a more common synonym indicating the start of an action or journey.

I started

A simpler and more frequently used synonym for 'began' or 'embarked'.

I commenced

A more formal synonym for 'began', suitable for professional contexts.

I initiated

Focuses on the act of starting or setting something in motion.

I undertook

Emphasizes taking on a task or responsibility.

I launched

Suitable when referring to the beginning of a project or venture.

I set out

Implies starting a journey or endeavor with a specific goal.

I ventured

Suggests starting something with an element of risk or uncertainty.

I plunged

Implies starting something suddenly and with great enthusiasm.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "I was embarked"?

No, "I was embarked" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. The correct usage is generally "I embarked" or "I was embarked on". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not correct.

What does "embarked" mean and how should I use it?

"Embark" means to begin a journey or undertaking. It's typically used in the active voice. For example, "I embarked on a new project" is correct, while "I was embarked" is unusual.

What are some alternatives to saying "I was embarked"?

Instead of "I was embarked", you can use phrases like "I began", "I started", or "I undertook". These are clearer and more grammatically sound.

How can I use "embark" correctly in a sentence?

Use "embark" in the active voice to indicate the beginning of something. For example, "I embarked on a career change" or "We embarked on a voyage". Avoid passive constructions like "I was embarked".